Need some super lightning fast budget travel-knowledge on Bangkok?
Overview
1) It’s expensive
2) Traffic is the pits- Plan accordingly (I always estimate at least one hour to get from point A to point B and I plan around rush hour)
3) It’s fucking hot (Tip: 711 convenience stores are everywhere. It’s the cheapest place I’ve found big water bottles for 13 baht; also good to stop in for an air con shower)
4) Bangkok is HUGE
Transportation
5) Never take a taxi without a meter. If the driver claims it’s broken or they don’t use one, get out immediately and flag down another one.
6) Travel along the Chao Phraya River by ferry- it’s a cheap and fast way to get around Bangkok, especially for sightseeing
7) The BTS SkyTrain> It shows up on Google Maps and is extremely helpful for locating checkpoints; this is also a cost effective way to travel
Where to Stay- Khao San Road
8) I’m a big fan of Khao San Road. I know travelers gripe about how seedy it is, but it has everything you need right there without having to spend money traveling around the city. If you need to book buses, flights or the ferry- there are travel agents everywhere. Most of the time the buses will pick you up from your guesthouse without you having to take a taxi to the bus station. Pharmacies and convenience stores are also everywhere.
10) I like to stay at Green House BKK. It offers affordable rooms starting at around 300 baht, with fan and air con options. The rooms are basic and clean with the option of private bathrooms or shared. They give you towels, soap and there is a restaurant and bar.
Where to eat- Khao San Road
11) There is a small Khao man gai stand at the beginning of Rambuttri street where you can get a yummy meal of savory chicken and rice for around 40 baht.
12) Any of the food stalls are cheap and filling
Airports
13) Cheap Air-Asia flights can be booked out of Don Muang Airport. There is an airport express van from Khao San Road that costs around 180 baht. Taxis will try to charge 400 baht to take you to the airport.
14) If you land in Suvarnabhumi Airport and have a connecting flight in Don Muang, there is a free bus shuttle between the two airports. Just make sure you have your ticket handy to get the free ride.
My favorite places
15) The Ghost Tower: A giant skyscraper that was abandoned years ago. It’s shrouded in mystery and ghost stories, but the climb to the top reveals some pretty epic panoramic views of Bangkok. Check out my post on Travelog to learn more.
16) The Grand Palace and Wat Prakaew for some dazzling Thai architecture
17) Damnoen Saduak floating market for an authentic experience: think boats filled with fruits, vegetables and flowers along Bangkok’s infamous canals
18) Soi Cowboy: The red light district named after the cowboy hat-wearin’ expat that opened the first bar here in the 1970s
19) Forensic Museum: Delve into the weird, and by weird I mean corpses of mass murderers, deformed fetus’ in jars and other preserved body parts.
20) Chinatown: Go at night time on an empty stomach for a smorgasbord of tasty street vendor treats
Courtney Lambert 